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Amazon.com has launched a public beta of "Amazon MP3," a new digital download store with DRM free music.

Amazon Challenges iTunes

Amazon MP3 has 2 million songs from 180,000 artists represented by major and independent labels.

"Amazon MP3 is an all-MP3, DRM-free catalog of a la carte music from major labels and independent labels, playable on any device, in high-quality audio, at low prices," said Bill Carr, Amazon.com Vice President for Digital Music.

"This new digital music service has already been through an extensive private beta, and today we're excited to offer it to our customers as a fully functional public beta. We look forward to receiving feedback from our customers and using their input to refine the service."

Tracks on Amazon MP3 are priced from 89 cents to 99 cents, with 1 million of the 2 million songs priced at 89 cents. The top 100 best-selling songs are 89 cents and most albums sell for $5.99 to $9.99. The top 100 best-selling albums are $8.99 or less.